Zambia striker Emmanuel Mayuka hopes to convince Mauricio Pochettino that he can play a part at Southampton after a season-long loan at French side Sochaux.

The 23-year-old joined the Saints with a big reputation after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012, scoring the winner to take them into the final, but he then struggled to make a real impact at Southampton.

Now he has set his sights on a place in Pochettino's squad for next season, as the manager considers his options.

My primary objective is to go back to Southampton to try and convince the manager that I deserve a chance in the team

Emmanuel MayukaZambia striker

Mayuka was a regular for Sochaux during his loan stint. Although he scored four goals in 21 appearances , he could not help secure their top-flight survival in France.

Looking ahead, he is keen to pick up up where he left off with the Saints.

"I won't consider my first season in England as a failure because I didn't really get enough opportunities," Mayuka told BBC Sport.

"On a personal note this loan has helped me regain confidence and I can take positives away even though I would have loved for the club to stay up.

"They gave me a chance to enjoy regular football again. I can only thank the club and wish them well for the future.

"Now my primary objective is to go back to Southampton to try and convince the manager that I deserve a chance in the team.